October 2022 Pastor’s Letter

From the Desk of Pastor Melissa

Dear Friends,

The past few days have been difficult for many reasons. Storms literal as well as spiritual, physical, and emotional have been raging in so many lives. People are without power, food, water, and shelter. People are unable to travel to escape these conditions. As always, the suffering of the poor is made greater by lack of options and resources.

It is so easy to take so much for granted in this life. If it grows dark, we’ll turn on a light. The water flows hot and cold when we turn on the tap. For most of us, food is plentiful. When food is scarce, there is more at the grocery store.

In Psalm 103 there is a call to praise God and then it reads: “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and FORGET NOT all his benefits.” In Psalm 103:2 we learn to not forget the blessings we have received. To not become ungrateful, forgetful, entitled and arrogant. Friends, we praise God best when we love our neighbor.

100% of donations made at UMCOR.org will bring relief to those suffering the storms of life.

Will you join me in prayer?

When the storms of life rage and we wonder where we can turn—we turn to You, loving God. Lord of all creation, Your world is truly wonderful and we too often take this for granted. Help us to cherish all of Your gifts. We would love to control the water and the wind—but we are not in control.

So, we ask, that You shelter all who are suffering. Watch over everyone, as they shelter in place or evacuate. Give them strength, courage, and resolve to ride out the storm; answer their prayers and ours that they be blessed with goodness and be spared from harm. Amen

In October, we continue our worship series Sing Praise!, engaging in regular worship with a community of faith is essential to our living a rich and Spirit-filled life. In worship, we rise up and respond to God in faith as one body—to be renewed and recharged for the abundant life God has created us to live. In worship, we pray the words Jesus taught us to say, and we are given the guidance we need to draw near to God and each other celebrating this wild and wonderful life. We know that even when life is no picnic, God prepares a feast for us.

Finally, on Sunday, October 9th at 7 pm, we will gather with our District Superintendent Reverend Jeffry Bross for our Church Conference. The Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet at 6. We look forward to celebrating 2022 and forecasting the Good News of 2023.

See you in church!

Pastor Melissa

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October Celebrations